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Bicycle pedals can be confusing to the uninitiated, but are actually very simple. There are essentially two kinds of pedals: platform and clipless.
 Platform pedals such as the Wellgo LU 961 Road Pedals With Clips are used by riders wearing regular street shoes and come on most every bike not purchased at a high-end bike shop. Toe clips can be attached to platform pedals to increase pedaling efficiency.
 Clipless pedals can also be called clip-in. They are the pedals that utilize a cleat to connect a cycling specific shoe to the pedal, which latches into the pedal with various spring operated mechanisms (depending on brand). Clipless pedals are a requirement for racing or fast recreational riding, elite riders are often fiercely loyal to their preferred pedal as different pedal brands are not compatible with one another. An example is the Time RXS Road Pedals.
Clipless pedals are further differentiated between road and mountain bike pedals. Road pedals provide a wider, more stable platform which utilize larger cleats not suitable for walking.
 Mountain pedals such as the Time ATAC XE Pedals utilize smaller cleats which are less prone to gathering mud and more easily disengaged when the rider must dismount their steed to avoid an obstacle. Their smaller size makes them better suited for off the bike adventures. Mountain pedals are also used in cyclocross races.
Clipless pedals can be adjusted in two ways. Float refers to the amount, left to right, that the rider's heel can travel without disengaging the pedal. Float is designed to relieve muscle stress by making it possible to slightly change positions while maintaining pedal stroke, the amount of float possible is a matter of riders' preference. Tension adjustment adjusts the amount of force it takes to disengage the pedal. Elite racers may prefer high tension, to guarantee good leverage during the hardest efforts. Casual riders may prefer lower tension to be able to unclick quickly when unexpected obstacles come about.
Time and Look are two of the oldest and most respected pedal makers in the world. Their pedals grace the feet of cyclists from local hobbyists to Tour de France Champions. Shimano and Campagnolo are bike component giants that also make reliable and popular pedals.
At BikeTiresDirect, we carry a variety of the most dependable pedals on the market. Look Keo HM Carbon Ti Pedals and Time RXS Ulteam Carbon Ti Road Pedals are hi-tech carbon and titanium works of art. The Shimano Dura-Ace PD-7800 SPD-SL Pedals was designed and used by Lance Armstrong, who won each of his seven Tours on Shimano pedals.
Look Keo Classic Pedals and Time RXS Carbon Road Pedals provide dependable pedals for all levels of road cyclists at more approachable price points. Shimano PD-R540 SPD-SL Pedals provide proven Shimano quality while supporting your favorite pro teams.
Time ATAC XE Pedals have proven to be popular and dependable out on the trails, Shimano PD-M540 SPD Clipless Pedals continue to attract a strong following.
 The most important step in pedal maintenance is cleat replacement. Worn cleats can disengage unexpectedly causing serious injury. We stock replacement cleats for all of our pedals.
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